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Scotland’s most romantic sailing experiences

Date published: 12 February 2018

Whether you’re moored beneath its soaring, snow-topped peaks as the Northern Lights dance above, sailing the steely grey surface of its legendary lochs, or sampling the best of its natural larder from land, sky and sea, Scotland has no shortage of experiences to fall head over heels in love with.

Grab your cosiest blanket, stock up on coffee (or something a wee bit stronger) and settle in for the performance of a lifetime as the ‘Mirrie Dancers’ birl across the heavens. The Northern Lights have entranced mankind for millennia and there are few places better to see this breathtaking festival of shine and shadow than Scotland. Set sail for Shetland, Orkney and Caithness for the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis.

Aurora Borealis

See the sun set over the Ring of Brodgar

One of Britain’s best-preserved Neolithic monuments, Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar may be more than 4,000 years old but it still feels alive with magic. While we still don’t know what the purpose of the stones was, one thing’s for sure – you’ll never regret paying a visit and seeing the sunset dance over the ancient rock and the still waters of the Loch of Harray beyond.

Ring of Brodgar

Take a trip through ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’

It’s easy to see why people fall in love with the Crinan Canal. Meandering through the ancient coastal kingdom known as ‘Dalriada’ in the heart of Argyll & Bute, the 200-year-old waterway might be just nine miles long but it features some of the most spectacular scenery to be found anywhere in Scotland. A single visit to the Crinan is all it’ll take for you to see why it’s known as ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut.’

Crinan Canal (c) Sylvia Watson

Set sail for the secret Isle of Shuna

A wonderful wilderness of woodland, wildlife and whirlpools, the tiny island of Shuna (population: two) is one of Scotland’s hidden gems. No cars, no telephones, no roads – just you, the wild, and all the adventures you can capture. It’s your own personal island paradise – what could be more romantic?

Sunset over Shuna (c) Karen White

Spend a night at Loch Scavaig

Scotland is home to some spectacular wilderness anchorages – but few compare to Skye’s Loch Scavaig for sheer majesty. A rugged, rural anchorage at the base of the Cuillin mountain range, it’s one of the most spectacular you’ll ever have the pleasure to visit. A night spent beneath the stars, awakening at dawn to see the sun flashing over the Black Cuillin in all its jaw-dropping glory, is something you’ll never forget.

Loch Scavaig (c) Moonshadow Yacht Charter Ltd

Find out the story in Tobermory

There are few places in the world that welcome you in quite the same way as the pastel-coloured port of Tobermory. Mull’s capital and setting for iconic kids’ TV show Balamory, this braw wee town is a beautiful spot for a romantic getaway, whether you’re exploring its secrets (a fortune is said to lie in the wreck of a Spanish galleon in its port!), its scenery, or sampling its fantastic food and drink.

Tobermory, Mull

Sink your toes into the Silver Sands of Morar

Strung like pearls along the coastline from Arisaig to Morar, the Silver Sands of Morar are some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. Featured in films such as Highlander and Local Hero, their spectacularly blue shallows and sparkling shores have long lured photographers and film-makers – and lovers seeking to score their names in the sand. You can see why.

Silver Sands of Morar

Take a dip in the Fairy Pools

Stretch your sea legs and head inland to explore Skye’s world-famous Fairy Pools - a series of flowing pools on the River Brittle filled with crystal-clear azure waters that’s magical in more than just name. If you’re feeling brave, take your bathing suit and try some wild swimming – but be warned, it can be chilly!

Fairy Pools, Skye

Sail west and explore Sanna Bay

Set on mainland Britain’s most westerly point on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Sanna Bay offers magnificent scenery, rolling sands plucked straight from a picture postcard and breathtaking views of the Small Isles. Even dolphins seem taken by its spectacular landscapes and can often be found frolicking in its azure waters. It's a paradise at the edge of the world - and it's yours for the exploring.